INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY MAKES ITS MARK WITH THE RCE AWARDS 2025

From October 21–23, 2025, International University (IU) received the RCE Awards 2025 at the 14th Global RCE Conference held in Okayama, Japan, marking the 20th anniversary of the Global RCE Network. The conference was co-organized by the Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability – United Nations University (UNU-IAS) in collaboration with RCE Okayama and Okayama City, with support from the Japanese Ministry of the Environment and Okayama University.

The Regional Centres of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCEs) form a network that connects organizations and individuals to promote learning, action, and collaboration for sustainable development at the local community level through Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Currently, 200 RCEs worldwide are recognized by the United Nations University, together constituting the Global RCE Network—a cross-border learning space for a sustainable future. Among them is RCE Southern Vietnam (under the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer, International University), which was established in 2011.

The event brought together 266 delegates from 47 countries, including RCE members, educators, researchers, youth representatives, and international partners, participating in both in-person and online formats. The conference served as a key forum for reflecting on the 20-year journey of the Global RCE Network, sharing exemplary initiatives, and jointly shaping future directions for Education for Sustainable Development.

Delegates from participating countries took a commemorative photo with Dr. Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi, Director of UNU-IAS, along with leaders of Okayama City and Okayama University.

20-Year Milestone of the Global RCE Network

Held at RCE Okayama—one of the world’s first seven RCEs recognized in 2005—the conference not only celebrated the outstanding achievements of the RCE Network over the past two decades, but also officially launched the publication “Learning, Collaborating and Transforming: The 20-Year Journey of the Global RCE Network”, which documents the global journey of learning, collaboration, and transformation across RCEs worldwide.

Through the plenary sessions, thematic discussions, workshops, and field activities, delegates exchanged methods on how RCEs promote community-based learning, drive action-oriented initiatives, and create systemic change at local and regional levels.

A key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Okayama Declaration 2025 – “RCEs’ Collective Commitment for Sustainable Futures”, affirming the shared commitment of the Global RCE Network to accelerate transformative education for sustainable people and planet futures.

Delegates attended the plenary session of the Conference, with the participation of leaders from Okayama City, Okayama University, and members of the press.

RCE Southern Vietnam: 14 Years of Advancing the ESD Mission

Participating directly in the Conference, RCE Southern Vietnam—under the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer, International University—continued to affirm its active role within the Global RCE Network. Dr. Trần Thị Ngọc Diệp delivered a presentation in the thematic session “Fostering Innovation in ESD with Emerging Technologies,” introducing the AGreenchoice – Sustainability Impact Platform model. The model demonstrates how innovative technologies can promote sustainability practices, encourage students and staff to engage in sustainable development, and measure sustainability impacts within Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at International University.

Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Diep shared insights at the panel discussion “Fostering Innovation in ESD with Emerging Technologies,” introducing the AGreenchoice – Sustainability Impact Platform application model.

Throughout the 20-year journey of the Global RCE Network, RCE Southern Vietnam has accompanied the network for 14 years, remaining steadfast in its mission to promote Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Vietnam, while connecting and spreading sustainable values across the region and internationally.

Proud Recipient of the RCE Awards 2025 – Acknowledged Flagship Project

Within the framework of the conference, the Sustainable Society Challenge (SSC) of International University was honored with the RCE Awards 2025 – Acknowledged Flagship Project. This marks an important milestone, recognizing SSC’s practical contributions to advancing ESD through youth-led initiatives.

The Sustainable Society Challenge (SSC), organized by International University (Vietnam National University–Ho Chi Minh City), was honored with the RCE Awards 2025 – Acknowledged Flagship Project.

This competition is designed for lower and upper secondary school students to engage with real-world social issues, propose innovative solutions, and take proactive action toward a sustainable future. Through a series of activities—including workshops, expert mentoring, and project presentations—the competition has become an incubator for ideas, fostering confidence and helping to shape a generation of globally minded citizens who are responsible toward society and the environment.

The final round of the Sustainable Society Challenge took place in October 2025, bringing together 16 outstanding teams from lower and upper secondary schools across Vietnam, who advanced to the final pitching session before the Judging Panel.

Towards a Sustainable Future

Twenty years of the Global RCE Network mark a journey of learning, collaboration, and transformation, united in the shared pursuit of a sustainable future for all. From local actions to global forums, International University (IU) remains committed to standing alongside the RCE Network in advancing transformative education, contributing to the building of a sustainable society for both people and the planet.

Sustainable Development Goals: SDG4-Quality education, SDG9-Industry, innovation and infrastructure,  SDG11-Sustainable cities and communities